Tamper Evidence Child Resistant Liquid Containment Packaging

ABSTRACT

A tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging comprising a container and a corresponding capping assembly that inhibits unauthorized removal of capping assembly and indicates tampering. The container stores liquid. The capping assembly is operable with container to restrict access to the liquid. The capping assembly comprises an inner cap, an outer cap, a sealing member, and a tamper evidence ring. The inner and outer caps comprise complementary inner and outer cap releasable locking elements that are engageable to releasably lock the outer cap in a closed position. Manipulation of outer cap disengages outer cap from inner cap. Teeth are arranged at the container to damage the evidence resistant ring on the inner cap upon removal attempts. A sealing member is in communication with the liquid, controlling discharge. Resilient plates extend from outer cap sidewall, generating friction against inner cap during rotation. Indicia on outer cap indicates nature of liquid.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a tamper evidence childresistant liquid containment packaging. More so, the present inventionrelates to a liquid containment packaging comprising a container and acorresponding capping assembly that inhibits unauthorized removal of thecapping assembly from the container while simultaneously showingindications of tampering attempts; whereby the container stores anddispenses a liquid, such as medicine; whereby the capping assembly isoperable with the container to restrict access to the contents of thecontainer through multiple tamper-evidence components requiringdexterity and strength to open; whereby the capping assembly comprisessealing member, an inner cap, a tamper evidence ring, and an outer capthat work together to restrict access to the contents of the container,inhibit tampering, and regulate dispensing of the liquid from thecontainer; whereby teeth are arranged at the dispensing end of thecontainer to damage an evidence resistant ring on the inner cap uponremoval from the container; whereby a sealing member is in communicationwith the contents of the container, and serves to control drip speedduring discharge of liquid, directionally control the discharge of theliquid from the container, and provide a seal for the container; wherebythe inner and outer caps comprise complementary inner and outer capreleasable locking elements, respectively; whereby the inner and outercap releasable locking elements are engageable to releasably lock theouter cap in a closed position; whereby a biasing force inhibits theouter cap releasable locking element from disengaging from the innerreleasable locking element; whereby the biasing force is overcome bysimultaneously pushing and rotating the outer cap, so that the outer capis disengaged from the inner cap; whereby a radial arrangement ofresilient plates extend from the outer cap sidewall to engage and deformagainst the inner cap base, so as to restrict rotation of the outer capin relation to the inner cap; and whereby an indicia on the outer capsidewall indicates a restricted liquid is in the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

It is known in the art that childproof, or tamper resistant, bottles areused to store medicine or other materials that are harmful to childrenor unauthorized people and animals. Typically, childproof bottlesinclude a container and a lid that closes the container mouth opening,with the lid requiring dexterity or strength to open, not usuallypresent in young children. In some prior art childproof bottles, a lidscrews onto the container. This action requires the user to forcefullypush the lid against the container enough to overcome a biasing force tohave the threads of the lid engage the threads of the bottle. When thisbiasing force is overcome by pushing the lid and the lid issimultaneously rotated, the lid can be unscrewed.

Most of the prior art patents teach a safety cap defined by teeth thatinterconnect with corresponding secondary teeth on the neck of acontainer. The prior art also includes a safety cap that requires two ormore distinct manipulation, i.e., push, pull, twist, or deform, todisengage the teeth, and thereby remove the safety cap from thecontainer. The prior art further includes containers that are designedto contain a restricted liquid, such as a medicinal composition.

Typically, there are eclectic types of child-proof type capping systemsused to inhibit unauthorized access to the contents therein. Most suchsystems provide a container, such as a medicine bottle, which isoperable with an outer cap and a ribbed circumferential neck of abottle. The two opposite sets of teeth or ribs engage each other to lockin a closed position. Often in these arrangements, disengaging thecorresponding teeth works to detach the outer cap from the container.

Often, this can be accomplished by pushing down, twisting, deforming, orperforming other discrete manipulation to the outer cap, so as todisengage the outer cap teeth with the teeth along the neck of thebottle; and thereby enabling the outer cap to be disengaged from thebottle. Conversely, fastening the outer cap to the container neck isgenerally less difficult and may simply require a twisting or snappingmotion to urge the outer cap into place. This fastening/unfasteningrelationship, and the structure of the cap and container neck, is mostlywhat the attached prior art covers.

Other proposals have involved tamper evidence child resistant andchild-proof containers. The problem with these tamper proofingcontainers is that they do not provide multiple structures to restricttampering, and also indicate attempts at tampering at the same time.Also, the characteristics or potential hazards of the liquid in thecontainer are not identified. even though the above cited child-proofcontainers meet some of the needs of the market, a tamper evidence childresistant liquid containment packaging comprising a container and acorresponding capping assembly that inhibits unauthorized removal of thecapping assembly from the container and shows indications of tamperingattempts is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to atamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging. The tamperevidence child resistant liquid containment packaging provides acontainer and a corresponding capping assembly that inhibitsunauthorized removal of the capping assembly from the container andshows indications of attempts to forcibly detach the capping assemblyfrom the container.

The tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packagingprovides a container that is sized and dimensioned to store and dispensea liquid. A capping assembly is operable with the container to restrictaccess to the contents of the container through multiple tamper-evidencecomponents and functions that require dexterity and strength to open. Anouter cap and an inner cap of the capping assembly are outfitted with aninterlocking releasable lock elements, which functions to tamperproofthe container by requiring the user to first apply a downward forcebefore rotating and removing the outer cap. These difficultmanipulations are not usually easy for a young child, elderly person,person with muscular or articulation disorders, person affected by atemporary or chronic medical condition, or animal to perform. Thecapping assembly also indicates to physical tampering attempts.

In some embodiments, the container is defined by a container sidewallthat forms an enclosed region for containing a liquid. The containersidewall is defined by a base end for supporting the container, and adispensing end that forms a container mouth opening. The dispensing endincludes a container coupling member for fastening the capping assemblythereto. In some embodiments, a plurality of teeth are arranged at thedispensing end of the container. The teeth destructively engage a tamperevidence ring on the capping assembly to indicate attempts to detach thecapping assembly. The teeth work to tear a tamper evidence ring from aninner cap, as discussed below.

The capping assembly is selectively movable between a closed position inwhich the outer cap closes the inner cap, and an opened position inwhich the outer cap clears the container mouth opening for allowingaccess into the inner cap dispensing means from the container. Thecapping assembly comprises multiple unique components that form asynergy for a tamper evidence child resistant design, providing multipletamper-resisting structures and functions.

In one embodiment, the capping assembly comprises sealing member, aninner cap, a tamper evidence ring, and an outer cap that work togetherto restrict access to the contents of the container, inhibit tampering,and regulate dispensing of the liquid from the container.

The sealing member is in communication with the contents of thecontainer, and serves to control drip speed during discharge of theliquid, directionally control the discharge of the liquid in thecontainer, and also provides a seal for the container. The sealingmember includes a mouth that couples to the inner container, and a plugtip that regulates discharge of the liquid from the container. Thus, thesealing member works to: 1) control drip speed during discharge of theliquid, 2) directionally control the discharge of the liquid in thecontainer, and 3) provides a seal to the container.

The capping assembly has complementary inner and outer cap releasablelocking elements that are located on the inner and outer caps,respectively. The inner and outer cap releasable locking elements areengageable to releasably lock the outer cap in a closed position. Abiasing force inhibits the outer cap releasable locking element fromdisengaging from the inner releasable locking element. When this biasingforce is overcome by pushing the outer cap and the outer issimultaneously rotated, the outer cap can be decoupled from the innercap to an open position.

The inner cap encapsulates the sealing nozzle, working with the outercap to inhibit detachment of the outer cap from the capping assembly. Insome embodiments, the inner cap comprises an inner cap sidewall, aninner cap base, and a nozzle extending from the inner cap sidewall andterminating an inner cap opening. The inner cap opening is incommunication with the enclosed region of the container.

As discussed above, the inner cap includes an inner cap releasablelocking element that forms at the inner cap base. The inner capreleasable locking element creates a biasing force to maintainengagement between the inner cap and the outer cap, as discussed below.In one embodiment, the inner cap releasable locking element is aplurality of slots. The slots are arranged in a radial configuration andused to restrict detachment of the outer cap, as described below.

A tamper evidence ring attaches to the inner cap to indicate if theinner cap has been removed from the container since the tamper evidencering would be torn by the teeth from the container if removal of theinner cap was attempted. The inner cap also includes an inner capsidewall, an inner cap coupling member for mounting the container mouthopening, and a coupling base that forms the inner cap releasable lockingelement, i.e. slots.

An outer cap detachably covers the inner cap. In some embodiments, theouter cap comprises an outer cap sidewall. The outer cap sidewall mayinclude a plurality of ridges that facilitate gripping for manipulationof the outer cap. A radial arrangement of resilient plates extend fromthe outer cap sidewall to engage the inner cap base. The resilientplates are configured to deform so as to restrict rotation of the outercap in relation to the inner cap. Specifically, the resilient platesgenerate frictional resistance against the inner cap to inhibitdetachment of the outer cap from the inner cap. The resilient platesprovide yet another child-resistance layer to the packaging.

An indicia on the terminus of the outer cap sidewall indicates arestricted liquid is inside the container. The indicia may include ahazard warning or an actual label for a medicine, for example.

As discussed above, the outer cap comprises an outer cap releasablelocking element, which may include a plurality of ribs that correspondto the plurality of slots formed in the sidewall base of the inner cap.The ribs are configured to selectively engage the slots. The ribs arebiased to interlock with the slots, so as to restrict disengagementbetween the outer cap and the inner cap. However, when the ribs aredeformed by manipulating the outer cap, the ribs disengage from theslots, and the outer cap detaches from the inner cap.

The manipulation of the outer cap may include pressing down on the outercap, torqueing the outer cap, rotating the outer cap, depressing theouter cap, twisting, deforming, performing other discrete manipulationto the outer cap, and other forces known in the art for overcomingchildproof or tamper evidence child resistant biases. Once the biasedforce between the outer and inner cap releasable locking elements isovercome, the outer cap may then be detached through rotation. This isto disengage the outer cap releasable locking element from the inner capreleasable locking element; and thereby enabling the outer cap to bedisengaged from the bottle.

In operation, a force is applied to the outer cap by pushing down androtating counter clockwise to remove the outer cap. If an attempt ismade to rotate the outer cap without pushing down, the ribs in the outercap interlock with the slots in the inner cap to inhibit rotation, andthereby removal of the outer cap. The tamper evidence child resistantdisclosure for the tamper evidence child resistant liquid containmentpackaging is unique in that it provides: 1) inner and outer capreleasable locking elements that interlock and require overcoming abiasing force to disengage; 2) deformable plates that counteractscompression forces from attempts to screw open the outer cap, 3) aplurality of teeth at the dispensing end of the container that work totear a tamper evidence ring disposed on the inner cap when the outer capis rotated, so as to indicate attempts to remove the outer cap from theinner cap; and 4) an indicia that indicates the nature of the liquid inthe container.

In one aspect, a tamper evidence child resistant liquid containmentpackaging, comprises:

-   -   a container defined by a container sidewall forming an enclosed        region, a base end, and a dispensing end, the dispensing end        forming a container mouth opening, the dispensing end comprising        a container coupling member;    -   a plurality of teeth disposed at the dispensing end of the        container;    -   a sealing member configured to regulate access to the enclosed        region of the container, the sealing member comprising a sealing        mouth that forms a friction fit relationship with the container        mouth opening, the sealing member further comprising a plug tip        configured to regulate discharge from the container mouth        opening;    -   an inner cap configured to cover the sealing member, the inner        cap defined by an inner cap sidewall at least partially coupled        to the dispensing end of the container, an inner cap base having        an inner cap coupling member, and a nozzle extending from the        inner cap sidewall, the nozzle terminating at an inner cap        opening that is in communication with the enclosed region of the        container;    -   an inner cap releasable locking element disposed at the inner        cap base;    -   a tamper evidence ring disposed at the inner cap sidewall, the        tamper evidence ring corresponding to the plurality of teeth        disposed at the dispensing end of the container,    -   whereby the plurality of teeth are configured to deform the        tamper evidence ring when the inner cap is at least partially        decoupled from the dispensing end of the container;    -   an outer cap configured to cover the inner cap, the outer cap        comprising an outer cap sidewall, the outer cap sidewall defined        by a terminus and a plurality of ridges, the plurality of ridges        configured to facilitate gripping the outer cap;    -   an outer cap releasable locking element disposed at the outer        cap sidewall, the outer cap releasable locking element        corresponding to the inner cap releasable locking element,    -   whereby the inner cap releasable locking element and the outer        cap releasable locking element are configured to interlock to        maintain engagement,    -   whereby a biasing force maintains the engagement between the        inner cap releasable locking element and the outer cap        releasable locking element,    -   whereby manipulation of the outer cap helps overcome the biasing        force for disengaging the outer cap from the inner cap;    -   a plurality of resilient plates extending in a radial        arrangement from the outer cap sidewall, the plurality of        resilient plates configured to engage the inner cap base and the        inner cap sidewall during manipulation of the outer cap,    -   whereby manipulation of the outer cap allows the plurality of        resilient plates to generate frictional resistance against the        inner cap base and the inner cap sidewall to help inhibit        detachment of the outer cap from the inner cap; and    -   an indicia disposed on the terminus of the outer cap sidewall.

In another aspect, the container coupling member includes at least oneof the following: a threaded neck, a protrusion, a hole, and a pressuresensitive element.

In another aspect, the container contains a liquid.

In another aspect, the container is generally elongated and cylindrical.

In another aspect, the plurality of teeth encircle the dispensing end ofthe container.

In another aspect, the plug tip comprises an orifice.

In another aspect, the manipulation of the outer cap comprises apressing force and a rotating force.

In another aspect, the inner cap releasable locking element comprises aplurality of slots.

In another aspect, the outer cap releasable locking element comprises aplurality of ribs configured to interlock with the plurality of slots.

In another aspect, the plurality of ribs are radially disposed.

In another aspect, the plurality of slots are radially disposed.

In another aspect, the plurality of resilient plates are fabricated fromat least one of the following: elastic, a pliable polymer, and rubber.

In another aspect, the enclosed region of the container contains aliquid.

In another aspect, the indicia is configured to indicate characteristicsof the liquid in the container.

In another aspect, the indicia is a triangle.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a tamper evidencechild resistant liquid containment packaging or mechanism that preventsa child or unauthorized person from unnecessarily accessing the liquidin the container, yet allows adults to conveniently open the cappingassembly.

Another objective is to minimize tampering of a medicine bottle throughuse of inner and outer cap releasable locking elements that inhibitremoval of an outer cap unless a manipulation of the outer cap overcomesa biasing force between the releasable locking elements.

Yet another objective is to provide a tamper evidence ring thatindicates whether the outer cap has been removed or not.

Yet another objective is to provide resilient plates that restrictrotation of the outer cap, so as to provide another tamper-evidencelayer.

Yet another objective is to provide a sealing nozzle to control dripspeed during discharge of the liquid, directionally control thedischarge of the liquid in the container, and also provides a seal.

Yet another objective is to provide indicia on the outer cap thatindicates the nature of the liquid in the container.

Another objective is to provide a container that is safe for containingingestible materials, such as medicine.

Another objective is to provide a container and capping assembly that iseconomical and easy to manufacture.

Other systems, packaging, methods, features, and advantages will be orbecome apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of thefollowing drawings and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure,and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary tamper evidencechild resistant liquid containment packaging, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectioned view of the tamper evidence childresistant liquid containment packaging shown in FIG. 1, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an elevated side view of the tamper evidence childresistant liquid containment packaging shown in FIG. 1, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a blow up view of an exemplary cap assembly, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary outer cap, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an elevated side view of the outer cap, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectioned view of the outer cap, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an elevated side view of an exemplary inner cap, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectioned view of the inner cap, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an elevated side view of an exemplary container, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectioned view of the container, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D illustrate various views of an alternativeembodiment of the tamper evidence child resistant liquid containmentpackaging having a clip extending from the outer cap, and a tactileindicia disposed on the terminus of the outer cap sidewall, where FIG.12A is a perspective view, FIG. 12B is a left side view, FIG. 12C is abottom view, and FIG. 12D is a top view, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific packaging and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristicsrelating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to beconsidered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging isreferenced in FIGS. 1-12D. The tamper evidence child resistant liquidcontainment packaging 100, hereafter “packaging 100” provides acontainer 138 and a corresponding capping assembly 102 that inhibitsunauthorized removal of the capping assembly 102 from the container 138and shows indications of attempts to forcibly detach the cappingassembly 102 from the container 138.

For purposes of this disclosure, the following are defined as:

Child resistant—Child-resistant packaging is special packaging used toreduce the risk of children ingesting dangerous items. This is oftenaccomplished by the use of a special safety cap. It is required byregulation for prescription drugs (nicotine products in our case),over-the-counter medications, pesticides, and household chemicals. Bycombining the motion of compressing and rotating at the same time, auser have to be mature and strong enough to understand how to open thecontainer. This design is tested by a certified testing agent and provedto be effective on restrict a confident percentage of children access.“Child-proof” packaging is not quite accurate because the design is notnecessary to prevent all children from accessing the content. Suchcertification is authorized by The U.S. Consumer Product SafetyCommission to use on packaging for restricted material.

Resilience plate/elastic plate—Our unique design on enhancing theeffectiveness of Child resistant. Making it even harder for children toaccess the restricted content mistakenly. Any design without it can beopened if the upper cap settled at the slot of inner cap by gravity andat the same time the user is a underage robust genius. The purpose ofResilience plate is at least having the cap settling at an idle statedespite the effect of gravity. It also required a stronger force toopen.

Tamper evidence—is one having one or more indicators or barriers toentry which, if breached or missing, can reasonably be expected toprovide visible evidence to consumers that tampering has occurred. Thedefinition is given by the FDA. The design here is not necessary toensure “product not being tampered”, but rather to show to consumer thatthe product being tampered if it really is. By know the content beingtampered, consumers are capable to avoid consuming any contaminated,used, deteriorated product.

As FIG. 1 references, the packaging 100 comprises a container 138 and acorresponding capping assembly 102. The capping assembly 102 comprisesan outer cap 104 and an inner cap 116 that are outfitted with aninterlocking releasable lock elements 114, 130, which function totamperproof the container 138 by requiring the user to first apply adownward force before rotating and removing the outer cap 104 from theinner cap 116.

Looking now at FIG. 2, the container 138 stores a liquid, such as amedicine, consumable fluid materials, or hazardous fluids. The cappingassembly 102 is operable with the container 138 to restrict access tothe liquid. The capping assembly 102 comprises an inner cap 116, anouter cap 104, a sealing member 132, and a tamper evidence ring 128.

In some embodiments, the inner and outer caps 116, 104 comprisecomplementary inner and outer cap releasable locking elements 114, 130that are engageable to releasably lock the outer cap 104 in a closedposition. Forcible manipulation of outer cap 104 disengages the outercap 104 from the inner cap 116. The interface between the inner andouter cap releasable locking elements 114, 130 also serves to form awatertight seal to minimize spills and leaks, even when the container138 is tipped over.

A sealing member 132 is in communication with the liquid, controllingdischarge. Resilient plates 108 extend from outer cap sidewall 106,generating friction against inner cap 116 during rotation. Indicia 112on outer cap 104 indicates nature of liquid.

In another tamper proof feature of the packaging 100, a plurality ofteeth 148 are radially arranged at a dispensing end 146 of the container138. The teeth 148 are sufficiently sharp, so as to damage an evidenceresistant ring 128 that encircles the inner cap 116 when an attempt ismade to at least partially remove the inner cap 116 from the container138.

In yet another tamper proof feature of the packaging 100, a plurality ofresilient plates 108 extend in a radial arrangement from the outer capsidewall 106. The resilient plates 108 engage the inner cap base 120 andthe inner cap sidewall 118 during manipulation of the outer cap 104.Though in other embodiments, the resilient plates 108 engage just theinner cap base 120. Thus, manipulation of the outer cap 104 allows theresilient plates 108 to generate frictional resistance against the innercap base 120 and the inner cap sidewall 118.

As referenced in FIG. 3, the packaging 100 comprises a container 138.The container 138 is defined by a container sidewall 140 forming anenclosed region 142. A liquid may be stored in the enclosed region 142.In one embodiment, the liquid is a medicinal composition. The container138 is also defined by a base end 144 that may be generally flat, so asto support the container 138 in an upright position.

The container is also defined by a dispensing end 146, opposite the baseend 144, which forms a container mouth opening 150 to dispense theliquid. In one embodiment, the container 138 may have a generallyelongated cylindrical shape. Suitable materials for the container 138may include, without limitation, food grade plastic, medicine gradeplastic, glass, and polyurethane.

Looking ahead to FIGS. 10 and 11, the dispensing end 146 of thecontainer 138 comprises a container coupling member 152. The containercoupling member 152 is configured to couple to a corresponding capcoupling member 122. In this manner, the capping assembly 102 can besecurely coupled to the container 138. In some embodiments, thecontainer coupling member 152 may include, without limitation, athreaded neck, a protrusion, a hole, and a pressure sensitive element.

In some embodiments, a plurality of teeth 148 are disposed at thedispensing end 146 of the container 138. The teeth 148 may be disposedto encircle the terminus of the dispensing end 146 of the container 138.The teeth 148 are configured to destructively engage a tamper evidencering 128 on the capping assembly 102 when the ring 128 is manipulatedagainst the teeth 148. This, at least partial destruction, helps toindicate attempts to detach the inner cap 116 of the capping assembly102 from the container 138.

As FIG. 4 shows, the capping assembly 102 further comprises a sealingmember 132 that attaches to the container 138. The sealing member 132works to regulate access to the enclosed region 142 of the container138. In this manner, the rate of liquid discharge from the container 138may be more easily controlled, or in some cases, completely plugged. Thesealing member 132 comprises a sealing mouth 134 that forms a frictionfit relationship with the container mouth opening 150. Though in otherembodiments, a threaded coupling relationship may be formed. Thus, thesealing member 132 works to: 1) control drip speed during discharge ofthe liquid, 2) directionally control the discharge of the liquid in thecontainer, and 3) provides a seal to the container.

The sealing member 132 further comprises a plug tip 136 that extendsfrom the sealing mouth 134. The plug tip 136 serves primarily toregulate discharge from the container mouth opening 150. The plug tip136 may be tapered, and terminating at a small orifice 156. In onepossible embodiment, the orifice 156 is not formed during manufacture,but must be formed after a user obtains the packaging 100.

Looking now to FIG. 8, the capping assembly 102 further comprises aninner cap 116 configured to cover the sealing member 132. The inner cap116 enables passage of any liquid that has passed through the sealingmember 132. Thus in one embodiment, the inner cap 116 is in generalalignment and follows a similar shape as the sealing member 132. In someembodiments, the inner cap 116 may be defined by an inner cap sidewall118 and an inner cap base 120 that are generally perpendicular to eachother. The inner cap sidewall 118 may taper inwardly to follow thegeneral shape of the sealing member 132.

In some embodiments, the inner cap base 120 may include an inner capcoupling member 122 that at least partially couples to the containercoupling member 152 at the dispensing end 146 of the container 138. Thisis illustrated in the sectioned view of FIG. 9, which shows a nozzle 126extending from the inner cap sidewall 118 from an inner cap opening 124that is in communication with the enclosed region 142 of the container138 and the sealing mouth 134 of the sealing member 132.

In some embodiments, the capping assembly 102 further comprises an innercap releasable locking element 130 disposed at the inner cap base 120.The inner cap releasable locking element 130 is the component that worksto tamper proof the capping assembly 102 and container 138 by requiring128 the user to first apply a downward force before rotating andremoving the outer cap 104. Though other forcible manipulations may beused. In one embodiment, the inner cap releasable locking element 130comprises a radial arrangement of a plurality of slots that correspondto ribs from an outer cap releasable locking element 114.

Turning now to FIG. 6, the capping assembly 102 further comprises anouter cap 104 that is sized and dimensioned to cover the inner cap 116.The outer cap 104 comprises an outer cap sidewall 106 that is defined bya terminus 110 and a plurality of ridges 154. The plurality of ridges154 encircle the outer cap sidewall 106, serving to facilitate grippingof the outer cap 104. An indicia 112 on the terminus 110 of the outercap sidewall 106 indicates the nature of the liquid in the container138. For example, a triangle shaped indicia may indicate hazard, while askull indicia may indicate poison. The indicia 112 may be printed on theouter cap sidewall 106, or may be adhered to the outer cap sidewall 106as a label.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the capping assembly 102 further comprises anouter cap releasable locking element 114 disposed at the outer capsidewall 106. The outer cap releasable locking element 114 is thecomponent that tamper proofs the capping assembly 102 and container 138by requiring 128 the user to first apply a downward force beforerotating and removing the outer cap 104.

In one embodiment, the outer cap releasable locking element 114comprises a radial arrangement of a plurality of ribs that correspondand interlock with the inner cap releasable locking element 130, i.e.,slots, discussed above. In this manner, the inner cap releasable lockingelement 130 and the outer cap releasable locking element 114 areconfigured to interlock to maintain engagement.

In one embodiment, the outer cap releasable locking element 114comprises a plurality of ribs configured to interlock with the pluralityof slots from the inner cap releasable locking element 130. Though othertypes of interlocking mechanisms and structures may be used. Thisinterlocking relationship creates a biasing force that maintainsengagement between the inner cap releasable locking element 130 and theouter cap releasable locking element 114. In any case, a forciblemanipulation of the outer cap 104 in relation to the inner cap 116 isrequired to overcome the biasing force for disengaging the outer cap 104from the inner cap 116. Once the outer cap 104 is detached, the liquidmay be accessed through the nozzle 126 from the inner cap 116.

The manipulation of the outer cap 104 may include pressing down on theouter cap 104 in relation to the inner cap 116, torqueing the outer cap104, rotating the outer cap 104, depressing the outer cap 104, twisting,deforming, performing other discrete manipulation to the outer cap 104,and other forces known in the art for overcoming childproof or tamperevidence child resistant biases. Once the biased force between the outerand inner cap 104, 116 releasable locking elements 114, 130 is overcome,the outer cap 104 may then be detached through rotation. This is todisengage the outer cap releasable locking element 114 from the innercap releasable locking element 130; and thereby enabling the outer cap104 to be disengaged from the container 138.

In one embodiment, the forcible manipulation of the outer cap 104comprises a pressing force and a rotating force. In another embodiment,the forcible manipulation of the outer cap 104 comprises applying adownward force and rotating the outer cap 104. In another embodiment,the forcible manipulation of the outer cap 104 comprises applying torqueand pulling the outer cap 104.

In another embodiment, the forcible manipulation of the outer cap 104comprises applying an upward force and skewing the outer cap 104.However in other embodiments, any manipulation of the outer cap 104 thatdisengages the outer cap releasable locking element 114 from the innercap releasable locking element 130 may be used to disengage the outercap 104 from the inner cap 116.

In yet another tamper evidence child resistant structural componentprovided by the packaging 100, a tamper evidence ring 128 is disposedaround the circumference of the inner cap sidewall 118. The tamperevidence ring 128 may include a textured material, such as a resilientplastic or rubber that can be torn with an application of force from asharp or serrated edge. As discussed above, the tamper evidence ring 128corresponds to the plurality of teeth 148 at the dispensing end 146 ofthe container 138.

The teeth 148 are sufficiently sharp, so as to deform the tamperevidence ring 128 when the inner cap 116 is at least partially decoupledfrom the dispensing end 146 of the container 138. For example, as theinner cap 116 is rotated, the teeth 148 grab the surface of the tamperevidence ring 128 and tear the material of the tamper evidence ring 128.This provides a visual indication that an attempt has been made toremove the inner cap 116.

Looking back at the bottom view of the outer cap 104 shown in FIG. 5,another tamper evidence child resistant structural component is providedby the packaging 100. Here, a plurality of resilient plates 108 extenddownwardly, towards the base end 144 of the container 138 and in aradial arrangement from the outer cap sidewall 106. The resilient plates108 engage the inner cap base 120 and the inner cap sidewall 118 duringmanipulation of the outer cap 104.

Though in other embodiments, the resilient plates 108 engage just theinner cap base 120. Thus, manipulation of the outer cap 104 allows theresilient plates 108 to generate frictional resistance against the innercap base 120 or the inner cap sidewall 118. This resistance works tofurther inhibit detachment of the outer cap 104 from the inner cap 116.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a tamperevidence child resistant liquid containment packaging 158 having a clip160 extending from the outer cap 104, and a tactile indicia 162 disposedon the terminus of the outer cap sidewall 106. The clip 160 may attachfrom one end to the surface of the outer cap 104, and remain free froman opposite end, so as to slip onto a mounting surface (FIG. 12C). Theclip 160 may be biased to maintain engagement with the outer cap 104. Insome embodiments, the clip 160 may be used to attach the packaging to apocket, a pocket strap, a medicine cabinet, or other mounting surface.

Looking at the top view of FIG. 12D, the tactile indicia 162 enhancesthe visually indicative indicia 112 discussed above, since a user mayfeel the surface to determine the liquid content inside the packaging158. In one embodiment, the tactile indicia 162 is Braille. This featurecan be especially useful to a blind or a user with weak eyesight.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understoodand appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to thefollowing written specification, claims and appended drawings.

Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can bemade to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it isintended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalence.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tamper evidence child resistant liquidcontainment packaging, the packaging comprising: a container defined bya container sidewall forming an enclosed region, a base end, and adispensing end, the dispensing end forming a container mouth opening,the dispensing end comprising a container coupling member; a pluralityof teeth disposed at the dispensing end of the container; a sealingmember configured to regulate access to the enclosed region of thecontainer, the sealing member comprising a sealing mouth that forms afriction fit relationship with the container mouth opening, the sealingmember further comprising a plug tip configured to regulate dischargefrom the container mouth opening; an inner cap configured to cover thesealing member, the inner cap defined by an inner cap sidewall at leastpartially coupled to the dispensing end of the container, an inner capbase having an inner cap coupling member, and a nozzle extending fromthe inner cap sidewall, the nozzle terminating at an inner cap openingthat is in communication with the enclosed region of the container; aninner cap releasable locking element disposed at the inner cap base; atamper evidence ring disposed at the inner cap sidewall, the tamperevidence ring corresponding to the plurality of teeth disposed at thedispensing end of the container, whereby the plurality of teeth areconfigured to deform the tamper evidence ring when the inner cap is atleast partially decoupled from the dispensing end of the container; anouter cap configured to cover the inner cap, the outer cap comprising anouter cap sidewall, the outer cap sidewall defined by a terminus and aplurality of ridges, the plurality of ridges configured to facilitategripping the outer cap; an outer cap releasable locking element disposedat the outer cap sidewall, the outer cap releasable locking elementcorresponding to the inner cap releasable locking element, whereby theinner cap releasable locking element and the outer cap releasablelocking element are configured to interlock to maintain engagement,whereby a biasing force maintains the engagement between the inner capreleasable locking element and the outer cap releasable locking element,whereby manipulation of the outer cap helps overcome the biasing forcefor disengaging the outer cap from the inner cap; a plurality ofresilient plates extending in a radial arrangement from the outer capsidewall, the plurality of resilient plates configured to engage theinner cap base, or the inner cap sidewall, or both during manipulationof the outer cap, whereby manipulation of the outer cap allows theplurality of resilient plates to generate frictional resistance againstthe inner cap base and the inner cap sidewall; and an indicia disposedon the terminus of the outer cap sidewall.
 2. The packaging of claim 1,wherein the container is generally elongated and cylindrical.
 3. Thepackaging of claim 1, wherein the container coupling member and the capcoupling member include at least one of the following: a threaded neck,a friction fit structure, a protrusion, a hole, and a pressure sensitivestructural element.
 4. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof teeth encircle the dispensing end of the container.
 5. The packagingof claim 1, wherein the plug tip comprises an orifice.
 6. The packagingof claim 1, wherein the manipulation of the outer cap comprises applyinga downward force and rotating the outer cap.
 7. The packaging of claim1, wherein the manipulation of the outer cap comprises applying torqueand pulling the outer cap.
 8. The packaging of claim 1, wherein themanipulation of the outer cap comprises applying an upward force andskewing the outer cap.
 9. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the innercap releasable locking element comprises a plurality of slots.
 10. Thepackaging of claim 9, wherein the outer cap releasable locking elementcomprises a plurality of ribs configured to interlock with the pluralityof slots.
 11. The packaging of claim 10, wherein the plurality of ribsare disposed in a radial arrangement.
 12. The packaging of claim 11,wherein the plurality of slots are disposed in a radial arrangement. 13.The packaging of claim 1, wherein the plurality of resilient plates arefabricated from at least one of the following: elastic, a pliablepolymer, and rubber.
 14. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the enclosedregion of the container contains a liquid.
 15. The packaging of claim14, wherein the indicia is configured to indicate characteristics of theliquid in the enclosed region of the container.
 16. A tamper evidencechild resistant liquid containment packaging, the packaging consistingof: a generally elongated and cylindrical container defined by acontainer sidewall forming an enclosed region, a base end, and adispensing end, the dispensing end forming a container mouth opening,the dispensing end comprising a container coupling member; a pluralityof teeth disposed at the dispensing end of the container; a sealingmember configured to regulate access to the enclosed region of thecontainer, the sealing member comprising a sealing mouth that forms afriction fit relationship with the container mouth opening, the sealingmember further comprising a plug tip configured to regulate dischargefrom the container mouth opening; an inner cap configured to cover thesealing member, the inner cap defined by an inner cap sidewall at leastpartially coupled to the dispensing end of the container, an inner capbase having an inner cap coupling member, and a nozzle extending fromthe inner cap sidewall, the nozzle terminating at an inner cap openingthat is in communication with the enclosed region of the container; aplurality of slots disposed at the inner cap base; a tamper evidencering disposed at the inner cap sidewall, the tamper evidence ringcorresponding to the plurality of teeth disposed at the dispensing endof the container, whereby the plurality of teeth are configured todeform the tamper evidence ring when the inner cap is at least partiallydecoupled from the dispensing end of the container; an outer capconfigured to cover the inner cap, the outer cap comprising an outer capsidewall, the outer cap sidewall defined by a terminus and a pluralityof ridges, the plurality of ridges configured to facilitate gripping theouter cap; a plurality of ribs disposed at the outer cap sidewall, theplurality of ribs corresponding to the plurality of slots, whereby theplurality of slots and the plurality of ribs are configured to interlockto maintain engagement, whereby a biasing force maintains the engagementbetween the plurality of slots and the plurality of ribs, wherebymanipulation of the outer cap helps overcome the biasing force fordisengaging the outer cap from the inner cap; a plurality of resilientplates extending in a radial arrangement from the outer cap sidewall,the plurality of resilient plates configured to engage the inner capbase, or the inner cap sidewall, or both during manipulation of theouter cap, whereby manipulation of the outer cap allows the plurality ofresilient plates to generate frictional resistance against the inner capbase and the inner cap sidewall to help inhibit detachment of the outercap from the inner cap; and an indicia disposed on the terminus of theouter cap sidewall.
 17. The packaging of claim 16, wherein themanipulation of the outer cap comprises applying a downward force androtating the outer cap.
 18. The packaging of claim 16, wherein themanipulation of the outer cap comprises applying torque and pulling theouter cap.
 19. The packaging of claim 16, further comprising a clipextending from the outer cap.
 20. The packaging of claim 16, furthercomprising a tactile indicia configured to tactilely indicatecharacteristics of a liquid in the enclosed region of the container.